The Resurrection (edition 1974)

Philosopher dying of leukemia goes back to upstate New York from California. Visits some old neighbors (also a young niece of neighbors), is hospitalized and returns childhood home presumably to die. In hospital, crosses paths with another dying philosopher. Has a dream? about an old women. Young niece falls in love with main character after taking care of his children. Neighbors' niece, wife, mother and children visit Letchworth State Park. Niece's last visit to philosopher precipitates the somewhat vague climax. Dream sequence in hospital occasion for a meditation about whether the philosopher can distinguish reality from fantasy. My feeling is that of course he cannot without accepting his own embeddedness in a society--the woman is a dream if no one else in fact experiences her; she is not if they do. He can only know when someone obviously shares his experience (which no one does to his knowledge). I am glad this book was not much longer. The philosophical parts dragged a little. There were some interesting things dating this book: 1) No cell phones; it is interesting how I missed their existence especially when the main character had a medical crisis and no way to immediately call 911 (this is from one who does not own a cell phone); 2) Smoking was allowed in the hospital--how much smoking was simply an assumed part of life. ( )